Thoughts from the interface of science, religion, law and culture

After spending several years touring the country as a stand up comedian, Ed Brayton tired of explaining his jokes to small groups of dazed illiterates and turned to writing as the most common outlet for the voices in his head. He has appeared on the Rachel Maddow Show and the Thom Hartmann Show, and is almost certain that he is the only person ever to make fun of Chuck Norris on C-SPAN.

EVENTS

Rick Scott Plays Pretend on Boondoggle Election Law

Gov. Rick Scott of Florida certainly doesn’t lack for chutzpah. Meeting with a group of black legislators who expressed their concern over the election law changes that resulted in long lines and tens of thousands of people being unable to vote, Scott says don’t blame him, it wasn’t his law.

Facing a highly critical group of black legislators, Gov. Rick Scott largely defended his record Tuesday but distanced himself from a controversial election law that led to fewer early-voting days and long lines.

Scott agreed with black lawmakers that the 2011 election law contributed to the chaos at the polls in November, including long lines all over the state and up to seven-hour waits in Miami-Dade. But Scott, who is seeking re-election in 2014, said it was largely a decision of the Legislature.

“It was not my bill,” Scott said. “We’ve got to make changes, I agree. … The Legislature passed it. I didn’t have anything to do with passing it.”

Uh, yeah. Your party passed it, you signed it into law, then you defended its legality in court. It’s yours.

Rep. Perry Thurston, D-Plantation, the House minority leader, could not persuade Scott to ease restrictions on ex-felons, who must wait at least five years after leaving prison before they can seek restoration of their civil rights. Scott said the law is partly why Florida’s crime rate is at a 41-year low.

You don’t have to be an arrogant asshole to be a successful Republican, but if you’re not they’ll primary you and replace you with a mouth-breathing troglodyte who thinks being taxed should be a valid reason to “stand your ground”.

That sounds like his excuse when he was CEO of HCA hospitals, and the hospital chain was deeply investigated and found to have stolen tens of millions from Medicare. “I did not approve this and besides that, I didn’t have a clue. Not one. And I wouldn’t approve of it if I did.”